Philanthropic travel does have an important role, as indeed it may not be appropriate to offer hands-on volunteering...but if managed properly, the local expert builders can be employed via the traveler's donation as part of their trip fees, and guests can participate in the building project alongside the local experts, and even other members of the community, thus deepening and enriching the experience for the travelers. In my experience, both philanthropic travel and voluntourism are great, and need to be managed appropriately to ensure that the local communities benefit. Yours in Adventures That Count Christopher Hill Founder www.handsupholidays.com